Around The Bay in a Day - Melbourne

This is the event which I hope I will be in the starting line come Oct 18. I got to know about the event from my cousin, Andrew. After reading some details of the event, it was opportunity not to be missed. I'm sure if there's a bike event like this in Malaysia, most of you cyclist, will not even think twice to sign up. I've already missed out all the big rides in Malaysia, mainly the Inter-State Ride and also The Century Ride. So it was just hard to miss this big ride again.

Oh, if you don't know yet, MM is actually taking part a week earlier. That's the reason why I say I hope I will be at the starting line for the ATB event. Hopefully I don't too sore after the marathon.

I have signed up for the 210km via Sorrento (with ferry) - clockwise. This category has a limit of 4000 riders. Places for the other rides categories, 250km and 210km (via Queenscliff) - anti-clockwise are all sold out. Other distances are 50km and 100km. Here's the map of the ride. (From 50km to 250km)

Here's some history of the ride which I got from the event's website.

Starting in 1993, Around the Bay® in a Day has grown into Australia's largest mass participation bike ride.

The heat in 1993 added to the challenge for those who participated in Around the Bay in a Day, with the mercury climbing to a torrid 32 degrees. The event numbers were restricted to 3,000 due to ferry capacity and the West Gate Bridge was so easy to ride over that some riders thought that it should be open to riders full time – we can dream!

In 1994 and 1995, the ride grew as additional ferries were added. However, although there were extra ferries, the participant numbers still outweighed the ferry capacity. So much so that pedals had to be removed on bikes so there was enough deck space on the ferries. By 2001 the ride had grown even further and a record 5,000 riders participated.

The event capacity was raised by another 2,000 riders in 2002 after securing another ferry, bringing the grand total of participants to over 7,000. The event start and finish location was relocated from JL Murphy Reserve in Port Melbourne to Catani Gardens in St Kilda. 272 teams participated, ranging in size from 4 to 120. On the international front, a huge Irish team of 43 toured especially for the event, as did others from Singapore, New Zealand and Texas.

The weather increased the challenge again for the 2003 event. A number of riders were caught out after a warm morning start, into what turned out to be the coldest and wettest event ever!

By 2006 the event was really gathering momentum with more than 14,000 bike riders across the four ride distances (42km, 100km, 210km and 250km). This was the first year that the 250km distance was offered and it was a hit with the riders.

From 2004 to 2006 the start / finish site was located within the Melbourne Docklands precinct. As this area has became increasingly developed with residential and commercial buildings, we sought a “green space” which meet the requirements of the start / finish site.

From 2007, a three year partnership with the City of Melbourne began with the event being held at Alexandra Gardens. The event joined forces with the GO Bike Expo to bring you the Melbourne Cycling Festival, involving whole weekend's activities at the Gardens Precinct in Melbourne.

38 degrees and hot northerly winds made for very unpleasant riding conditions in 2007. However, once the weary riders reached the finish in the heart of Melbourne, they still had the energy to celebrate of their amazing achievement.

In 2008, the 250km route returned to the anti-clockwise direction and with this being the favoured start direction by riders, the Queenscliff ferry was sold out in record time for the 210km distance - 10 days! and the 250km selling out within four weeks of entry opening.We also introduced a 80km School Challenge ride option to encourage students to have a go, 77 riders lined up for this inaugural event. They had a great time and loved the fact that they were one of the 16,300 riders that took part of the largest ever Around the Bay ride.

The event is considered as one of Melbourne's major events sitting between the AFL Grand Final and the Spring Racing Carnival.

Check out the stats (graph): (frm only 3000 riders in 1993 to 16,300 riders in 2008)

Click here for more info about the event.

How's my preparation so far? Well only a few short 40km rides, when I say few, that's 2-3 rides only. One 70km ride almost 3-4 weeks back. And another 40km ride just 2 days ago...am I ready? Haha, I hope so. Well, hopefully with good weather, less wind and 3999 riders to draft behind, I think I should be fine........